A white fluffy robotic seal is delivering plenty of cute factor – as well as therapeutic benefits - to service users at a Southwark centre for the elderly.
Age UK Lewisham & Southwark is using cutting-edge technology, in the shape of an android mammal called PARO which was purchased with support funding from Aberdeen Asset Management, in its work with older people at its Stones End Day Centre.
The facility became the first day centre in the UK to use the device which has proven stress relief, relaxation and motivation benefits, particularly for people with dementia. Just as cats and dogs are more commonly used as therapeutic companions for older people in care settings, the robotic mammal was specially designed for facilities like hospitals and care facilities where live animals present treatment or logistical difficulties.
With tactile, light, audition, temperature and posture sensors, the seal can perceive people and its environment – it senses being stroked and can recognise the direction of voice and words, such as its name, greeting and praise. By interacting with people, PARO responds as if it is alive, moving its head and legs, making sounds, and showing your preferred behaviour. PARO also imitates the voice of a real baby harp seal.
The pioneering use of the device in a UK day centre was the subject of a presentation at Brighton University last month, when Stones End Centre staff talked about the direct benefits they have seen since introducing the device last year.
PARO has been found to reduce stress, improve relaxation and motivation and increases interaction between service users and staff. The device has been certified as the World's Most Therapeutic Robot by Guinness World Records and is based on a design that has been in use in Japan where it was invented and throughout Europe since 2003.
It’s one of a range of enjoyable and therapeutic opportunities provided for older people who attend Stones End. The centre recently received £10,000 from Aberdeen Asset Management’s Charitable Foundation to support its deputy manager to develop and manage student and volunteering opportunities to ensure a wide range of activities to cater for the needs of all older people where care and support needs are available.
Arts and crafts, reading groups, table tennis, movement therapy including chair based exercise, reminiscence, music therapy, a black elders group, bingo, baking and falls prevention are among the activities regularly on offer. There are trips to the seaside, galleries and museums, cinemas, parks and pub lunches as well as one-off events, performances, themed parties, and visits from local school groups.
Members have access to other Age UK Lewisham and Southwark services, including information and advice, toenail cutting and the handyperson service. The centre provides support for around 60 older people and operates five days a week, providing transport, refreshments, and a hot meal in addition to activities and events.
Jack Leahy, deputy manager of Age UK Lewisham and Southwark Stones End Centre said: “We’re keen to try out innovative and creative ideas and we introduced Paro the robotic seal, based on research that showed the benefits that it could deliver. It’s become a popular resource and is part of a range of therapies and activities that our centre users enjoy. Our aim as a charity is to reduce social isolation among older people and in our area, 60% of whom report feeling alone. For some, coming to the centre is their only outing in a week. We’re very grateful to receive the support of Aberdeen Asset Management which is helping us to recruit a wide range of volunteers who contribute hugely to the welcoming and fun service we provide for our members.”
Claire Drummond, head of charitable giving at Aberdeen Asset Management said: “We help many charities and causes, and have given donations to help build a cricket pavilion or for the purchase equipment for a neonatal unit, but this is the first time we have ever been part of a project to purchase a robotic seal. Staff from our London office wanted to support this key resource for older people living in the Southwark district which provides access to a wide range of stimulating and therapeutic things to do. With an ageing population, this is important and meaningful work and we are pleased to offer assistance to the communities in which we operate.”
The Aberdeen Asset Managaement Charitable Foundation was established in 2012 to formalise and develop the Group’s charitable giving globally. The Foundation seeks partnerships with smaller charities around the world, where funds can be seen to have a meaningful and measurable impact and the firm encourages its employees to use their time and skills to support its charitable projects. The main focus of the Foundation is around emerging markets and local communities, reflecting the desire to give back to those areas which are a key strategic focus of the business and to build on the historic pattern of giving to communities in which Aberdeen employees live and work.
For more information visit http://www.aberdeen-asset.co.uk/aam.nsf/foundation/home